BREAKING: The Notre Dame women’s basketball team is the No. 1 ranked team in the country for the first time since 2019.

In a landmark achievement, the University of Notre Dame’s women’s basketball team has ascended to the No. 1 spot in the national rankings for the first time since January 2019. This milestone reflects the team’s exceptional performance throughout the season and underscores the effective leadership of head coach Niele Ivey.

Season Overview

The Fighting Irish have demonstrated consistent excellence, boasting an impressive 22-2 overall record and an unblemished 13-0 mark in Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) play. Their journey to the top has been marked by significant victories over several top-five opponents, showcasing their resilience and competitive spirit.

Key Players and Statistics

The team’s success can be attributed to the outstanding performances of its backcourt trio: Sonia Citron, Hannah Hidalgo, and Olivia Miles. Collectively, they have amassed 1,258 points, 381 rebounds, 303 assists, and 168 steals this season.

• Hannah Hidalgo: A dynamic guard, Hidalgo ranks second nationally with an average of 25.2 points per game and leads with 4.1 steals per game.
• Olivia Miles: Serving as the team’s primary playmaker, Miles tops the ACC with 6.3 assists per game and boasts a shooting percentage of 53.1%, the highest among ACC guards.
• Sonia Citron: A versatile player, Citron contributes significantly on both ends of the court, averaging 15 points and seven rebounds per game.

Recent Performance

In their first game as the nation’s top-ranked team, Notre Dame secured a decisive 64-49 victory over No. 11 Duke. The matchup, held at Purcell Pavilion, saw Hidalgo leading the team with 19 points, while Citron added 15 points and seven rebounds. The Irish’s defense was particularly formidable, limiting Duke to a mere 38.5% shooting from the field and a paltry 11.1% from beyond the arc. A pivotal 21-8 run in the third quarter allowed Notre Dame to establish a commanding lead, effectively sealing the game’s outcome. citeturn0news20

Coach’s Perspective

Head coach Niele Ivey, in her fifth season at the helm, has been instrumental in guiding the team to this pinnacle. A former Notre Dame player and assistant coach, Ivey has instilled a culture of discipline, resilience, and teamwork. Reflecting on the No. 1 ranking, Ivey remarked, “Being ranked No. 1 is certainly a thrill and very exciting. It is a great reward for the team for all the hard work they have put in, but the season doesn’t end until April 1, so we aren’t focusing on the No. 1 ranking.” citeturn0search0

Historical Context

This achievement marks the first time since January 21, 2019, that Notre Dame has held the top position in the Associated Press poll. The program has a storied history, with two national championships (2001 and 2018) and nine Final Four appearances. The current team’s ascent to No. 1 adds a new chapter to this legacy, reflecting both the program’s tradition of excellence and its promising future. citeturn0search30

Looking Ahead

With the regular season nearing its conclusion, the Fighting Irish aim to maintain their momentum as they prepare for the ACC Tournament and the subsequent NCAA Tournament. Their upcoming schedule includes matchups against formidable opponents, providing further opportunities to solidify their standing and build upon their success. As the team continues to embody the Fighting Irish spirit, fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate their performance in the postseason.

In summary, Notre Dame’s rise to the No. 1 ranking is a testament to the team’s hard work, strategic leadership, and cohesive play. As they continue their pursuit of excellence, the Fighting Irish have firmly established themselves as a formidable force in women’s college basketball.

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